Cricket: Grangein line to host historic Scotland v Australia ‘Test’

BILL LOTHIAN

EDINBURGH’S Grange cricket ground is being lined up to host a historic four-day unofficial Test between Scotland and Australia next year with the provisional date June 7-10.

The fixture would be in addition to a 50 overs one-day international between the countries already confirmed for September to assist the Australian preparations for an Ashes tour of England soon afterwards.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith said: “We awaiting final confirmation but are confident the game will go ahead. It will be a tremendous occasion to host so many of Australia’s leading players and a great test for our guys.”

Links between the countries have grown recently with George Bailey, the former Grange pro and Saltires overseas player, captaining Australia at Twenty20 level.

Also, Ed Cowan, another former Saltire, is likely to feature in the Australian party with the squad to visit Raeburn Place likely to be led by Ricky Ponting.